Mental and Behavioural Conditions

What are Mental & Behavioural Conditions

Mental and behavioural conditions encompass a broad range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, perception and behaviour. These conditions include depression and anxiety, alongside other conditions including substance use and personality disorders. Mental health conditions are characterised by significant changes in thinking, emotion or behaviour that cause distress or impair functioning in social, work or family activities.

Mental health conditions affect approximately 1 in 5 adults in any given year, and 1 in 2 adults in their lifetime. These conditions can develop at any age but often emerge during young adulthood, making them particularly relevant for working-age populations.

Mental health exists on a continuum, ranging from optimal mental wellbeing to severe mental illness requiring intensive support. The invisible nature and possible stigma for many mental health conditions can delay recognition and treatment. However mental health awareness and support are improving. Most people with mental health conditions lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Risk Factors

Mental health condition risk factors include biological, psychological, social and environmental. Biological risk factors include genetic predisposition, chemical imbalance and hormonal changes. Psychological factors include personality traits, coping style and trauma exposure, particularly during childhood.

Social and environmental risk factors include chronic stress, social isolation, financial hardship and significant life changes such as relationship breakdown and bereavement. Alcohol and drug use increase risk and can both cause and worsen mental health conditions.

Workplace-specific risk factors include job security, excessive workload, low job control, bullying and lack of organisational support. The Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work provides practical guidance on complying with work health and safety legislative duties.
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Early warning signs of mental health conditions include persistent changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, mood and social behaviour that last for several weeks and interfere with daily functioning.

Impact of TENSH Habits

Physical Activity

The TENSH habits help reduce risk and improve the management of mental health conditions. Physical activity is a powerful tool, with regular exercise demonstrated to have similar effects to medication for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Avoiding sedentary behaviour through frequent movement breaks helps maintain wellbeing.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating impacts mental health. Fruit and vegetable intake provides essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for brain function and mood regulation. Managing sugar and fat intake helps to stabilise blood sugar levels and manage energy and mood.

Reduced Alcohol Intake

Alcohol intake disrupts sleep, affects neurotransmitter balance and can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Reducing alcohol intake to fewer than ten drinks weekly, or lower, often leads to improved mood and sleep quality.

Mindfulness practices

Mindfulness and breathing practice help to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Regular mindful practice has been shown to help manage depression and anxiety symptoms. Sleep optimisation habits help increase sleep duration and quality, which in turn positively impact mood, energy, and wellbeing.

Impact on the Workplace

The World Health Organisation estimated that globally, 12 billion working days are lost each year to depression and anxiety. These conditions can also lead to an increase in presenteeism, when workers are in the office but productivity is impacted, during specific periods. However, decent work can protect mental health by providing a livelihood, confidence, positive relationships and a structured routine.

Workplace accommodations to support workers living with mental health conditions include flexible working arrangements, employee assistance programs and mental health training for managers. Creating a psychologically safe environment where workers feel comfortable discussing mental health reduces stigma and supports early intervention.

Early intervention and support can help prevent minor symptoms from developing into more severe ones. Organisations that invest in comprehensive mental health support experience improved worker engagement, reduced turnover and an enhanced workplace culture.

Resources & Tools

Employee Assistance

Your workplace EAP can provide access to mental health and wellbeing support services.

Beyond Blue

Offers comprehensive information, support services, and workplace programs, including the NewAccess program, which provides coaching support and workplace mental health resources.

Lifeline Australia

Provides 24/7 crisis support via phone (13 11 14), text, and online chat, as well as suicide prevention resources and community education programs.

Black Dog Institute

Provides evidence-based information on mood disorders, online self-help tools, workplace training programs, and the myCompass app for mood tracking and self-management.